go 
Central Africa , 
being insulted, were asked again if they would not teach 
M'tesa and his people to make guns and gunpowder. Upon 
answering that their object in coming to Uganda was to 
instruct him and his people in reading and writing, as well 
as teach him concerning the true God, M'tesa said, as if 
desirous to sum up the matter and conclude the argument, 
We don't want your teaching ; the Arabs can have their 
--religion, and you, yours; but we will have the religion of 
our forefathers." He then prohibited the missionaries from 
teaching or preaching, — a course of conduct in which he was 
upheld by the Arabs who thronged about him. Although 
fifty men and boys were at that time diligent students of 
reading and spelling sheets, yet the command was sent 
forth that all instruction was thenceforth to cease, while the 
Englishmen were sternly denied access to the palace. 
In April, four months after the date of the king's adverse 
decision, we find, however, that matters had taken a brighter 
turn, for he sent a deputation of three Uganda chiefs to 
London with Mr. Wilson, who returned to England at that 
date. M'tesa had sent these three chiefs to convey presents 
to the Queen, and at the same time to obtain a greater 
knowledge of this country, in order that they might return 
to Uganda and report. Doubtless the reception of future 
missionaries was intended to be dependent on that report. 
Meanwhile, despite difficulty and discouragement, the 
mission continued, and daily gained friends among that 
portion of the people who, possessing a little knowledge, 
desired more. The course of the mission was very variable, 
but it could be asserted that while M'tesa was vacillating, 
deceitful, and mercenary, his people began to appreciate 
the new light which smiled upon them. While no decided 
converts came out, there was, generally speaking, a disposi- 
tion to hear and obey the new teaching. One missionary 
